To address the aggravating man-animal conflict in mind in Nagpur district, Minister of State Adv Ashish Jaiswal on Sunday directed forest department to install protective fencing in sensitive zones and develop ‘green zones’ where require to curb conflicts. Adv Jaiswal chaired a review meeting at Sillari in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) to formulate measures. In the back-drop of increasing tiger attacks in forest fringes of PTR in recent years, the Minister did the detail assessment of the situation and directed officials to implement stringent and immediate measures. He also informed that Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis will chair a review meeting to chalk-out a concrete action plan on the issue.

 

Adv Jaiswal also instructed to deploy special mombile units and dedicated medical teams in case of emergency. These units will be equipped to reach incident sites promptly and provide immediate assistance and treatment. Additionally, a toll-free helpline will be introduced to facilitate quick support for citizens. The Minister emphasised that the safety of farmers, villagers, children, and women living near forest areas remains a top priority. He assured that all necessary steps will be taken urgently to ensure their protection and to reduce fear among the local population. AI-powered surveillance cameras have already been installed in some villages, and plans are underway to expand their deployment across more locations.

 

The Minister also held detailed discussions with officials of the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra on various related matters. The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Maya Iwinate; District Collector Kumar Ashirwad; Head of Forest Force M Srinivas Rao; Chief Wildlife Warden M Srinivas Reddy; Superintendent of Police (Nagpur Rural) Dr Harssh Poddar, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director S Ramesh Kumar, Conservator of Forests G Guruprasad, Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Vinita Vyas, along with other officials and local citizens.